War on Terror
Bal Thackeray: He Loves to HateThackeray's comments could invite criminal proceedings under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code, since it amounts to promoting communal hatred.
It is welcome that the BJP and the Congress have condemned his statements, but it is unlikely that the administration will take any strong measures.
That's because moving against Thackeray raises the spectre of violence by his followers. Sadly, the inability of the political and police establishment to take on Thackeray over the years has led to a situation where he can do or say virtually what he likes.
Our society's ability to tolerate intolerance has also steadily, and sadly, increased. It's unfortunate, but true, that voices that argue in favour of liberal and democratic principles across the country are increasingly drowning in a cacophony of competitive identity politics.
Nowhere is this truer than in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai. The metropolis that we once held up as a fine example of cosmopolitanism and inclusive public life is fast turning into a cauldron of animosities.
The Shiv Sena has, over the years, targeted migrants — south Indians, Gujaratis and Biharis to name a few — and Muslims.
It is welcome that the BJP and the Congress have condemned his statements, but it is unlikely that the administration will take any strong measures.
That's because moving against Thackeray raises the spectre of violence by his followers. Sadly, the inability of the political and police establishment to take on Thackeray over the years has led to a situation where he can do or say virtually what he likes.
Our society's ability to tolerate intolerance has also steadily, and sadly, increased. It's unfortunate, but true, that voices that argue in favour of liberal and democratic principles across the country are increasingly drowning in a cacophony of competitive identity politics.
Nowhere is this truer than in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai. The metropolis that we once held up as a fine example of cosmopolitanism and inclusive public life is fast turning into a cauldron of animosities.
The Shiv Sena has, over the years, targeted migrants — south Indians, Gujaratis and Biharis to name a few — and Muslims.
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2:37 AM
Moderate Islamist here
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